MMP Inhibition Therapy: Understanding the Next Trend

in Active Wound Healing

WUWHS Sunset Symposium, Thursday June 5th, 2008  

Faculty & Topics                                                Moderator – Keith Harding

MB MRCGP FRCS

Cardiff University

The Role of MMPs in Wound Healing                                           David Leaper

MD ChM FRCS FACS

Cardiff University

MMP Inhibiting Wound Therapy                                              Gary Skarja

Ph.D.

Rimon Therapeutics 

Ltd.

Clinical Investigation of MMP Inhibition Therapy                            Patricia Coutts

RN IIWCC

Panel Discussion All Speakers

Abstract

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of at least 25 zinc-dependent enzymes that are collectively able to degrade all extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. ECM degradation is a normal event in the physiological remodeling associated with growth and maintenance processes such as cell migration, angiogenesis, and tissue turnover. However, the elevated MMP activity in stalled chronic wounds contributes to uncontrolled destruction of connective tissue and increased inflammation. Therefore, targeted reduction of MMP action can reduce tissue degradation, kick-starting the healing process.

The clinical understanding of the promise of targeted MMP inactivation therapy for stalled chronic wounds has increased in recent years. The evolving clinical treatment of stalled wounds would clearly benefit from treatment options that are thoroughly researched and have demonstrated positive clinical trial results. We will describe a new MMP inhibiting treatment and demonstrate its unique technology. In addition, we will present clinical trial results of targeted reduction of MMP action that correlates to improved wound condition. This exciting new technology confirms the promise of a unique approach to active wound healing.

See attached for presentations.